If you're thinking of discovering the other side of the world, then there is no better way to do so than on a cruise to Australia or New Zealand.
Sydney offers a myriad of sights, such as the world-famous Opera House, incredible Sydney Harbour and the golden sands of Bondi Beach to name just a few. You'll need a couple days extra to explore them all, so why not opt for a pre-cruise stay? For envious photos, don't miss the superb views from the nearby Blue Mountains or the Harbour Bridge. And if you really want to experience the land Down Under, duck into a local pub for some meat pies, Australian beer and good conversation with the friendly locals.
For a land-based adventure, head into the outback to see the famous ‘jumping crocodiles’ in Darwin or experience the slow pace of Fremantle, Perth with its wineries at Swan Valley. Enjoy the tropical temperatures and busy waterfront of Cairns with its wide, tree-lined Esplanade or explore the wildlife and culinary delights of Kangaroo Island. Airlie Beach sits next to the Great Barrier reef and is a bustling, vibrant town of shopping outlets and restaurants.
Is you're looking for a cruise on a smaller scale consider an exploration of the Kimberley or along the Murray River. There are some jaw-dropping landscapes to see, unique wildlife to spot and bush traditional to partake in.
New Zealand provides a spectacular backdrop of mountainous peaks, open grasslands, roaring rivers and extinct volcanoes, as well as Maori culture. Experience the pure serenity of the “Sound of Silence” as you cruise through Doubtful Sound and explore the snow capped mountains, rushing waterfalls and famed wilderness at Milford Sound and Dusky Sound.
When it comes to land tours, you can choose to focus on one island in depth or opt for something that features the highlights of both in one trip. Places like Wellington, Auckland, Rotorua, Dunedin and Christchurch should all be on the list and offer a mix of adventurous and cultural activities.
